Spark Plug Came Out Destroying Coil and Threads

[BlackWorksInc]

I would pull the transmission pan, inspect and clean the intake screen, inspect and clean the magnets, reinstall the pan, and do a good transmission fluid flush.

I didn't catch what year your 4Runner was, so while you're doing that it wouldn't hurt to double check your connections and if your vehicle is a bit on the earlier side of the 3rd gen spectrum make sure the throttle cable to the transmission is set-up properly.

That'd be where I'd start first given what you said about it sitting and other stuff you've done so far. After than you'll probably have to narrow down on things if the issue is still there.

 

[4x4runnerMT]

Thanks! I’ll start with that and see if that helps at all.
The 4Runner is a 1997. Not sure when the transmission fluid would have been flushed last. I’ve had it about 3ish years and haven’t done anything with it yet. Vehicle has about 230,000 miles currently. Picked it up with about 190,000 miles.

 

[4x4runnerMT]

So one concern I have with replacing the transmission fluid is I’m not sure when it would’ve been replaced last. I’ve owned the vehicle for about 30,000 miles and have never done it myself. The transmission fluid was topped off once, didn’t take much and hope that wasn’t a bad idea.
I have heard that replacing the fluid can sometimes cause problems?
I figured since I am already having problems it wouldn’t hurt too much?


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[4x4runnerMT]

Here’s the original ad from when I bought it if that helps at all.


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[19963.4lsr5]

Our rigs have a drain plug in the trans pan. It’s super easy compared to other vehicles.

I dump the ATF every two to three years. And add 1 gallon. I don’t even bother pulling the dipstick anymore.


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[poleclimber63]

Just had this happen too...

So I did a forum search "helicoil" and this post popped up. Interesting, exactly the same thing happened to me and same cylinder. I bought a bore scope and sucked out the pieces that were left in the cylinder but unfortunately the spark plug wouldn't torque, and just spun. I will try a helicoil... I know you had a bit more going on with the coolant, what was the outcome and if you used a helicoil is it still in place?

 

[poisedforflight]

So I did a forum search "helicoil" and this post popped up. Interesting, exactly the same thing happened to me and same cylinder. I bought a bore scope and sucked out the pieces that were left in the cylinder but unfortunately the spark plug wouldn't torque, and just spun. I will try a helicoil... I know you had a bit more going on with the coolant, what was the outcome and if you used a helicoil is it still in place?

You're going to run into this a lot. That guy hasn't been on in over a year. Over half the old threads I want to ask people questions on I check and theyre no longer around.

 

[MaineRunna]

If the reservoir was empty but the radiator was full after 15,000 miles on an older vehicle with high miles that is absolutely nothing to worry about. Put a thread insert in there and be done with it. I have to top off the coolant on much newer vehicles at every oil change all the time. And no, there is absolutely no way the piston can contact the plug. Most likely it was not tightened enough or the threads were already damaged when you replaced the plug. ***VERY COMMON***

 

[poleclimber63]

You're going to run into this a lot. That guy hasn't been on in over a year. Over half the old threads I want to ask people questions on I check and theyre no longer around.

You maybe right. These forums are definitely not as frequented as they used to be when I first joined, back in 12'. Social media has had a huge impact, unfortunately, you encounter alot of a$$hole comments, and every arm chair mechanic jumps into the mix. I do miss the informed, constructive forum feedback from the mid to late 2010's... luckily, due to the past brisk activity of t4r.org, there is still a ton of really great info when you search for it.